Kids and Families

Readers at Madison Public Library: A Guide to Selecting Your Child's Reading Level

A Level Readers | B Level Readers | C Level Readers

If you've ever shared the exact moment when a child is able to read a book on his/her own, you remember what a thrill it was for you both. The pride they feel in their accomplishment shows in the light in their eyes and the joy in their voice.

In an effort to make each child's beginning reading experience as enjoyable as possible, we have arranged the Reader Collection into levels of A, B & C. This way, children can master one level before moving onto the next. It is hoped that this strategy will guarantee early success and empower them to succeed further.

Differences in reader level are designated by difficulty of words, length of sentences, size and darkness of text and amount of white space between letters and lines. As you read the examples of reader levels that follow, please keep in mind that they are intended as mere guidelines. All levels contain both easier and more difficult reading challenges than the three represented here.

In "A" level readers, the text is large, sentences are short and there is quite a bit of space between words:

From What's in a Box by Kelly Brown, 1991.

In "B" level readers, the text is also large, but sentences are longer and there is more text per page:

From Arthur's Camp-Out by Lillian Hoban, 1993.

In the "C" level readers, there is still more text per page. Also, sentences are longer and the words are more challenging:

From My Dog and the Birthday Mystery by David A. Adler, 1987.

Once children feel confident in the "C" level, they are ready to move on and explore other books the children's section has to offer. As you look for other options for your child's beginning reading tastes, remember that board books, picture books and the Phonics Practice Readers (located within the reader's section at Central and many branch libraries) are also excellent choices.

It is our aim to act as guiding support as you start your child down the path toward a lifelong love of reading. If we can be of any further help along the way, please let us know.

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